Electro-therapeutic device

ABSTRACT

In the field of electrotherapy, there are currently known devices and methods, in which either the frequency or the amplitude of a therapeutic current is varied. According to a representation of the amplitude on a logarithmic frequency scale, said methods are designated correspondingly as methods of vertical or horizontal stimulation. Various advantages and disadvantages are associated with both methods. The invention relates to a device for carrying out an electrotherapeutic method, according to which the amplitude (A) and the frequency (f) of the therapeutic current (i B ) are simultaneously varied within a therapeutic frequency band (f B ), which lies in the medium frequency range, in such a way that the method is carried out in discrete frequency steps, either in the range of different frequencies lying just below a stimulation threshold (RS), or periodically between a stimulation that lies above the threshold and a stimulation that lies below said threshold.

[0001] The invention relates to an electro-therapeutic device for thetreatment of the preferably human body with electrical currents having adefined frequency and amplitude. The device comprises at least two flatelectrodes that can be connected with the body to be treated, forclosing a current circuit via said body, in connection with which atreatment current, the amplitude (A) and frequency (f) of which can besimultaneously modulated, can be introduced into the body to be treated.

[0002] Such a device is known already from the Japanese patentapplication JP 5-212 126 A.

[0003] A similar device, which, however, is operated withoutsimultaneous modulation of the amplitude and frequency, is known fromthe European patent specification EP 0 659 099 B1.

[0004] A distinction is made in connection with this knownelectro-therapeutic device between two methods of application ofstimulation current:

[0005] the “polar stimulation principle” that is depending on thepolarity; and

[0006] the “non-polar stimulation principle that is independent of thepolarity.

[0007] The polarity stimulation principle is applicable to low-frequencycurrents in the range of from 0 to 200 Hz, and the non-polar stimulationprinciple is applicable to so-called medium-frequency currents in therange of from about 1 to 100 kHz.

[0008] Furthermore, in the field of electro-therapy, a distinction canbe made between stimulation effects that depend on the frequency, andstimulation effects that are independent of the frequency. Furthermore,methods are known that elevate these effects in an isolated manner andcombine them with each other in a useful manner.

[0009] In connection with the methods depending on the frequency, thefrequency of the treatment current is varied, and the amplitude of thetreatment current is varied in connection with the methods depending onthe amplitude.

[0010] If, in a double-logarithmic system of coordinates, the thresholdsof the frequency are represented as a function of the frequency, wherebythe intensity of the voltage or current are represented as ordinatevalues and the frequencies as abscissa values, the result is anapproximately straight-line development of the curve. However, thedeveloping curve is ascending in an approximately straight-lined manneronly because the intensity threshold values rise to a relatively higherdegree as the frequency values are rising, so that the ascent of thecurve grows to a minor extent with the increase in the frequencyaccordingly. Expressed in other words, the approximately straight-linedcurve “is sagging through a little”.

[0011] The aforementioned, only approximately straight-lined developmentof the curve represents the stimulation threshold, thus -afrequency-dependent intensity threshold value that is triggering actionpotentials when it is exceeded.

[0012] The frequency at which this threshold is repeatedly exceeded dueto repeated variation of the amplitude, determines the frequency atwhich the above-mentioned action potentials are triggered in conjunctionwith the stimulation method depending on the amplitude.

[0013] In the aforementioned system of coordinates, the treatmentcurrents applied in the field of electro-therapy depending on thefrequency are flowing in a horizontal straight line, and the treatmentcurrent generated in the case of the treatment depending on theamplitude are flowing on a vertical straight line.

[0014] The two methods are accordingly referred to also the horizontaland the vertical stimulation.

[0015] Purely below-threshold applications are known in connection withboth methods are well if, in the therapy, importance is attributed toeffects other than the described stimulation effects.

[0016] The successes achieved in electro-therapy primarily relate to theareas of alleviating pain, the stimulation of cross-striated and smoothmusculature, of influencing the blood circulation and the metabolism;inhibition of inflammation, and promotion of the regeneration in thearea of healing wounds and bones.

[0017] The basis for the therapeutic spectrum of currents are theirphysical parameters and the influences that are derived from theseparameters and are acting on the functions of the structures of thebiological systems being treated.

[0018] Such parameters of the current are most of all the frequency withits modulations; the modulation frequencies; and the intensityparameters such as the voltage, the current intensity, the output; thelocally effective field strength; the current density, the outputdensity etc., as well as in turn their modulation as the amplitudemodulation at the amplitude modulation frequency and the degree ofmodulation.

[0019] In connection with currents, a distinction has to be made betweensystemic and local compatibility, as it has to be made in connectionwith pharmaceuticals.

[0020] The systemic compatibility of currents is determined most of allby the electro-toxic dosage required for triggering cardiac ventricularfibrillation, or for triggering epileptic attacks.

[0021] The “poorest” local compatibility is exhibited by direct currentbecause of the risk of causing local burns and cauterization.Low-frequency currents are quite incompatible as well because of thepoor manner in which they can be inroduced into the bodytranscutaneously, and the low local pain thresholds deriving therefrom.Furthermore, in most cases, low-frequency currents also comprise adirect-current component with the problems mentioned above.

[0022] The disadvantages of low-frequency currents and of direct currentcan be avoided in connection with the so-called “horizontal stimulation”in the intermediate frequency range between 1 kHz and 100 kHz accordingto the device known already from EP 0 659 099 B1. The principle consistsin that in the system of coordinates mentioned above, a horizontallow-frequency change in the carrier frequency takes place in such amanner that a variation is effected between an above-threshold and abelow-threshold carrier frequency range, i.e. the medium-frequencycarrier frequencies are frequency-modulated at a low frequency.

[0023] In this connection, the method of horizontal stimulation is notfree of drawbacks either. In order to reach the threshold of a group ofsensitive motor or sympathetic nerve fibers, the intensities are raisedto the same extent between an upper and a lower corner frequency. Thethreshold of a nerve fiber is first exceeded in this connection with thelower corner frequency. After the threshold has been reached, theduration of the above-threshold state in the range of the lower carrierfrequencies is still short as compared to the below-threshold state inthe range of the higher carrier frequencies.

[0024] If the number of nerve fibers stimulated above the threshold isto be increased in order to raise, for example the intensity of themuscular contraction via a greater number of stimulated motor nervefibers, or via a greater number of sensitive sympathetic fibers, or forthe purpose of amplifying the intensity of the counter-irritation forthe alleviation of pain, or for the purpose of intensifying peripheraleffects of vasoconstriction via a greater number of sympathetic fibers,the duration of the above-threshold state is prolonged for the fiberswhose threshold have been exceeded first, and the duration of thebelow-intensity state is reduced, and if the intensity is raisedfurther, even the entire modulation period may be in the above-thresholdrange.

[0025] A continually growing number of verve fibers are in factstimulated above the threshold with each increase in the intensity;however, the “above-the-threshold” time increases at the same time forthe fibers already stimulated above the threshold, so that due to theomission of interruption via the generation of volatile excitomotoractivity, a permanent polarization with corresponding blocking mayfinally entail.

[0026] For a major part of the fibers, the modulation of the frequencytherefore still takes place only in the above-threshold range.

[0027] In that case, the desired range of stimulation that issynchronous with the stimulation frequency is vacated and the range ofthe volatile excitomotor activity is entered into instead, without anyclear relation to the stimulation frequency and discharge frequency ofthe stimulated structure in terms of time. Finally, the risk is posedthat a permanent polarization of the cells is caused, i.e. of the nervesor muscles that actually should have been stimulated. In connection withnerves, the local permanent polarization leads to line blockage, and inconnection with muscles to a reversible physiological contraction.

[0028] For these reasons, it is not possible according to the method ofhorizontal stimulation to generate maximal tetanic contractions, as itis possible by means of vertical stimulation.

[0029] According to EP 0 659 099, a further field of application ofhorizontal stimulation consists in the generation of so-calledinterferences. In this connection, two medium-frequency currents thathave only minor frequency deviations among each other, are superimposedfor generating low-frequency interference currents. An amplitudemodulation ensues in the field of superimposition of themedium-frequency currents mentioned above. The modulation of theamplitude is caused by the difference in the frequency of the twomedium-frequency currents supplied. The aim of such a superimposition oftwo or more current circuits is to raise the intensity of the treatmentby adding up the individual intensities, so that action potentials orheat are generated in this range.

[0030] In this connection, a distinction can be made between phases ofthe pure heat treatment, and of the heat treatment with actionpotentials and treatment pauses, by controlling the method accordingly.

[0031] During the treatment pauses, in which neither heat nor actionpotentials are generated, a non-stimulatory metabolism effect remainsthat is referred to as the so-called “green metabolic effect”. Thisdesignation is to be understood as being the delimitation vis-à-vis the“yellow stimulation effect”, in connection with which the groups ofnerves are stimulated in a targeted and stimulating manner.

[0032] In the interference therapy, the current circuits are applied bymeans of the respective electrodes in such a manner that the field ofsuperimposition develops in the respective region of treatment.

[0033] A further drawback of the device already known from EP 0 659 099consists in that relative long pauses of the sensitive perception areunavoidable in connection with the so-called slow horizontal frequencymodulation. Only “green metabolic effects” are expected during thesepauses; however, these effects could be exploited in a more efficientmanner with an amplitude that is higher than the one usually applied inconnection with this method.

[0034] In addition to the prior art described in the foregoing, deviceshave become available in the market in the meantime in conjunction withwhich it is possible to select between methods of the vertical andmethods of the horizontal stimulation. This younger generation ofdevices is therefore adapted to carrying out both methods alternatively.

[0035] The invention is based on the problem of providing anelectro-therapeutic device that avoids the drawbacks of the prior artand offers a constant level of the safety standard in conjunction withincreased treatment comfort and an expanded field of application.

[0036] The problem constituting the basis of the invention is resolvedby an electro-therapeutic device according to the features of theindependent claim. Advantageous further developments of the inventionare specified in the dependent claims.

[0037] Owing to the fact that according to the independent claim, atreatment current is generated that is simultaneously amplitude-andfrequency-modulated within a medium-frequency range of from 1 to 100kHz, and that this current is introduced into the body to be treated,the benefits and possibilities of horizontal and vertical stimulationare united in one single method, on the one hand, and, furthermore, theshortcomings that are necessarily inherent to these methods are avoidedon the other.

[0038] The electro-therapy that can be carried out with the device asdefined by the invention is referred to as the high-tone frequencytherapy that is based on the selected frequency range. This frequencyrange corresponds for the most part with the frequency range that can beperceived by the healthy, youthful human ear as high-tone sound. Theselection of this frequency range ensures that the reduced capability ofintroducing current at lower frequencies is avoided, and that therequired “distance” from the threshold of cardiac ventricularfibrillation is maintained. Because of the higher thresholds connectedwith the legally permissible intensities, higher frequencies would onlygenerate weaker or even no neurophysiological stimulation effects, andcould raise the risk of damage to the skin caused by heat due to lack ofperception of the current.

[0039] The device as defined by the invention is intended for primarilytreating the following:

[0040] Painful diseases of the joints such as arthroses;

[0041] pain in the back and the neck with related diseases of the spine;

[0042] muscle distortions;

[0043] pain and swelling after injuries and surgical interventions,including fading of the effects of local anesthetics, among others;

[0044] normal, retarded and permanent healing processes, for exampleeffusions of blood, bone fractures, ulcers of the lower leg, andpressure sores;

[0045] venereal diseases and edemas.

[0046] Furthermore, local anesthesia can be produced in connection withthe device as defined by the invention.

[0047] The electro-therapeutic device as defined by the inventionadditionally has an effect facilitating the metabolism on account of itsshaking effect, because the promotion of diffusion processes leads to anenhanced supply to and effusion from living tissue, to an increase inthe probability of contact between enzymes and the substrate; to anincrease in the probability of generating resonance phenomena, as wellas to the generation of effects imitating hormones via the influenceexerted on the formation of cAMP in the cells.

[0048] By using non-modulated high-tone frequency currents, the devicecan be applied for generating local nerve blockage, for example in paintherapy or for local anesthesia. Furthermore, with the device as definedby the invention it is possible to introduce substantially highercurrent capacities while taking into account the local compatibility.

[0049] In this connection, the simultaneous modulation of the amplitudeand frequency of the treatment current is carried out in a manner suchthat the method is varied between a first limit value with the lowfrequency f_(o) and an upper or lower amplitude A_(o) or A_(u),respectively, of the treatment current i_(B), and a second limit valuewith a high frequency f_(o) and a lower or upper amplitude A_(u) orA_(o), respectively whereby an angle that can be preset is intersectedin relation to the individual threshold of the treated patient that iseither substantially parallel with said threshold, or the latter iscrossed at said angle.

[0050] Within the medium-frequency range, a frequency bandadvantageously comprising up to three octaves is specified for carryingout the treatment. This frequency band is ranging from 4.096 to 32.768Hz and thus predominantly in the audible range, and therefore between anaudible, very high C, and the first C that is no longer safely audible.In order to generate therapeutically usable resonance phenomena, thefrequency band should amount to at least one octave.

[0051] In an advantageously further developed embodiment, theelectro-therapeutic device permits a treatment method in conjunctionwith which the treatment with current is carried out within thefrequency band with constant modulation of the frequency and amplitudeslightly below or above the threshold.

[0052] The treatment current is supplied in this connection via acontrol/regulation of the voltage or the current in a manner such thatthe treatment current is trailing the threshold slightly below or abovethe threshold.

[0053] For this purpose, the parameters for the device can beadvantageously fixed in such a manner that a first limit value isadjusted first to a lower frequency in such a manner that the amplitudeof the current is raised with no change in the frequency until this isslightly perceived by the patient. This value is stored in the operatingmemory of the electro-therapeutic device as the lower limit value.Subsequently, an upper limit value is adjusted to a predefined upperfrequency by raising the current or voltage amplitude at the constantupper frequency until the current is slightly perceived again by thepatient. This value is stored as the upper limit value. The moderatelyascending curve obtained with a double logarithmic representation of thecurrent or the voltage is the curve of the treatment current. Thefrequency-dependent treatment current is now supplied adjusted to saidcurve with respect to frequency and modulation over the duration of thetreatment time, which can be preset.

[0054] The therapy is then carried out by running through the frequencyband. The preset frequency steps are applied in discrete frequency stepsover a defined span of time. It is entirely possible that the timeperiods during which the individual, adjusted frequency steps areacting, are varying.

[0055] As already mentioned above, as an alternative, it is possiblealso to treat excitable cell by “flooding” such cells with current bymeans of the electro-thearapeutic device in a manner alternating betweenabove-threshold and below-threshold current. In this connection, theangle of intersection of the straight line representing the treatmentcurrent in the double logarithmic representation, can be adjusted withthe stimulation threshold, preferably depending on the desired orrequired stimulation. A rough intersection angle, thus in about a rangeof between 45 and 90 degrees, stands for a hard stimulation”; and asmall angle of intersection, thus in about the range of between 0 and 45degrees, stands for a “soft stimulation”. A hard stimulation is deemeddesirable, for example for superimposing pain by generation acounter-stimulation, and a soft stimulation is desired if individualgroups of muscles are to be impacted in a targeted manner.

[0056] In this connection, again the parameters can be fixed for theelectro-therapeutic device also in the present case in a manner suchthat in the range of a preset lower limit frequency, a first limit valuewith a voltage amplitude corresponding with an above-threshold effect ispicked up and stored, and a second limit value is stored thereafter at afrequency designated as the upper limit frequency, with a voltageamplitude corresponding with a below-threshold effect as the upper limitvalue.

[0057] As mentioned already before, the amplitude of the treatmentvoltage above the logarithmically plotted frequency of the treatmentcurrent represents a straight line intersecting the stimulationthreshold.

[0058] In the present case, too, the defined frequency band intended forapplication in the treatment is run through in defined frequency steps,whereby it is entirely possible to allocate different treatment timeperiods to the frequency selected in the given case.

[0059] For carrying out the method descrbed above, theelectro-therapeutic device comprises at least one current generator forgenerating the treatment current; an oscillator; and a frequency-settingdevice for modulating the frequency; as well as a corresponding elementfor setting the amplitude of the treatment current. In addition,provision is made for a processor unit with a corresponding memory unitfor automatically carrying out the aforementioned steps of thetreatment, as well as for storing the required limit values. Thetreatment currents modulated within the meaning of the invention aresupplied via at least two flat electrodes that are connected to theelectro-therapeutic device.

[0060] In addition, the electro-therapeutic device can be provided witha time controller as well as an automatic shutoff device.

[0061] In an advantageously further developed embodiment, theelectro-therapeutic device is provided with a number of or at least twocurrent circuits that are independent of one another and can becontrolled or regulated, In this way, several patients can be treated atthe same time, on the one hand, and can be treated independently of oneanother by different methods on the other.

[0062] Furthermore, the interference methods already mentioned above canbe carried out with such devices.

[0063] In connection with a particularly advantageous embodiment, theelectro-therapeutic device is provided with four independent currentcircuits for generating four different treatment currents.

[0064] The difference between the individual currents in terms offrequency should be extremely minor and be in a range of between 1/60and 1/5 Hz. As distinguished from conventional interference currentdevices for generating low-frequency amplitude modulations, the minorfrequency difference supplies an extremely slow periodicity. The causefor this is a correspondingly slow change in the direction of thedevelopment of the field lines generated in the body to be treated ineach case by means of the applied current circuits. The periodicity ofthe change in the field lines approximately corresponds with the one ofthe vasomotion. This so-called slow stereo-interference permits theperiodic inclusion of regions of the body that have to be treated indistinguishable ways.

[0065] For generating such minor frequency differences of the differentcurrents to be supplied is connected with substantial expenditure interms of control technology. Such expenditure can be avoided by workingwith a method of gradual phase shifting between the three currentsinstead of operating in the way of the so-called high-tone frequencytreatment.

[0066] According to a yet further development of the invention, thefrequencies applied in the way of the high-tone frequency treatment canbe reproduced in the high-fidelity mode as well.

[0067] The electro-therapeutic device is connected for said purpose to asuitable device for reproducing the applied frequencies in such amanner.

[0068] In addition or as an alternative, even selected works of musiccan be used for generating the treatment currents.

[0069] For said purpose, the electro-therapeutic device is equipped witha high-pass filter for filtering out the critical low frequencies, andthe amplifier for generating the treatment current is provided with acorresponding output limitation in order to limit any critical outputvalues that may occur in the way of the dynamics of the works of musicused.

[0070] The music therapy described above, which adds to the stimulationperceived by the body a sensual high-fidelity impression, can beintensified by the application of visualization.

[0071] The electro-therapeutic device is actively connected for thatpurpose with a control device for controlling a lighting system withchanging colors for visualizing the supplied frequencies in color.

[0072] The invention is explained in greater detail in the followingwith the help of the drawing, in which:

[0073]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the electro-therapeutic device.

[0074]FIG. 2 is a diagram for the treatment below the threshold.

[0075]FIG. 3 is a diagram for the treatment above and below thethreshold; and

[0076]FIG. 4 shows the block diagram of another embodiment of theelectro-therapeutic device.

[0077]FIG. 1 shows an electro-therapeutic device in the form of a blockcircuit device 1. The device 1 is comprised of a current generator 2,whereby the amplitude of the current can be adjusted via a settingelement 3. Furthermore, provision is made for an oscillator 4 that isconnected to a frequency-setting device 5. The setting element 3 and thefrequency-setting device 5 are controlled at least indirectly via theoutputs of a microprocessor 6 that is data-connected with an operatingmemory 7. Via the current generator 2 and the frequency-setting device5, a treatment current I_(B), the amplitude A or the intensity of whichare adjusted via the setting element 3, and its frequency f is adjustedvia the frequency-setting device 5, is supplied depending on a treatmentprogram. This program is controlled by the microprocessor 6 inconjunction with the values stored in the operating memory 7, or as aresult of fixed parameters stored in the operating memory 7. Thetreatment current I_(B) generated in said manner can be used for feedingit into three or more different current circuits that are generated bymeans of a superpositioning device 8.

[0078] Each current circuit comprises for this purpose its own amplifierunit 10 to 12 with its own frequency generation by means of suitablesetting elements. The frequencies can be generated completelyindependently of each other with a defined relation to each other.

[0079] The flat electrodes 13 to 15 can be connected to the amplifieroutputs for connecting them with the body to be treated.

[0080] Instead of being provided with the three current circuits shownin FIG. 1, it is possible also to equip the electro-therapeutic devicewith only one single or also even more independent current circuits.

[0081] In this connection, the independent current circuits also may berealized in a completely self-sufficient manner, thus not by means ofany superposition. The technical design of such a variation is shown inFIG. 4.

[0082] Two preferred treatment methods of the electro-therapeutictherapy to be carried out with the electro-therapeutic device 1 aredescribed in the following.

[0083]FIG. 2 shows a method of the sensitive below-threshold therapy.The current amplitude A above the frequency f is plotted on thelogarithmic scale as shown in the diagram in FIG. 2. The treatment takesplace within a medium-frequency range of 4.096 Hz to 32.768 Hz. Thisrange is designated as the treatment frequency band f_(B). The frequencyband f_(B) comprises the three octaves O₁ to O₃, within which thetreatment frequency can be varied. The patient-dependent, individualstimulation threshold RS can be plotted as a straight line within thiscurrent amplitude/frequency coordinate system in a logarithmicrepresentation.

[0084] The stimulation threshold RS denotes the frequency-andamplitude-dependent limit value of the cells that can be stimulated.Above this limit value, at least one action potential is generatedautomatically. Within the maximally possible frequency band f_(B), anupper and a lower frequency value f_(o) and f_(u), respectively, can beselected depending on the patient and the treatment therapy. Theamplitude and the frequency of the treatment current I_(B) are modulatedwithin said upper and lower frequency values.

[0085] In that connection, the parameters are first laid down in such amanner that with a fixed lower limit frequency f_(u), the voltage orcurrent amplitude A is raised until a first perception of the patienttakes place in the region that has to be treated. Thereafter, theamplitude is slightly reduced again, so that the sensation disappearsagain. This current amplitude value A_(o) thus lies barely below thestimulation threshold RS. As soon as this value has been adjusted, it isstored as the lower limit value. Subsequently, with an upper frequencyf_(o) set, the voltage or current amplitude A is raised again until thepatient feels a slight sensation again. The amplitude is thensubsequently slightly reduced again, so that this sensation willdisappear again. This current amplitude value A_(o) is then stored aswell as the upper limit value.

[0086] The frequency band disposed between the upper and the lower limitfrequencies represents the frequency band F_(Br) that is simultaneouslyrelevant to the treatment to be carried out. Now, within this frequencyband F_(Br), the treatment current i_(B) is then modulated in discretefrequency steps in such a manner that the current is shifted from a lowlimit value in the range of the lower limit frequency f_(u) with a lowamplitude A_(u), into the range of higher frequencies until the upperlimit frequency f_(o) has been reached. In that connection, the currentamplitude A is increased with the increasing frequency as well until avalue A_(o) has been reached. The current is increased or reduced inthis connection parallel with the perception threshold within therelevant frequency band f_(Br). It is entirely possible in thisconnection to select different values for the duration of the time spanover which the voltage or current amplitudes A allocated to theindividual frequencies are acting.

[0087] The metabolism of the body is favorably influenced or promoted inthe course of this therapy in different planes of action, and astimulating effect is consciously omitted.

[0088] In connection with the methods represented in the diagramaccording to FIG. 3, the aim is to apply a stimulating effect inaddition to the promotion of the metabolism.

[0089] The parameters of the treatment current I_(B) are fixed in thisconnection in such a manner that a voltage or current amplitude A_(o) ofthe treatment current i_(B) is first selected in the range of the lowerlimit frequency f_(u) in a manner such that a maximum amplitude A_(u) isadjusted distinctly above the stimulation threshold. Subsequently, inthe course of laying down the parameters, an upper limit frequency f_(o)is picked up, whereby the amplitude value A_(u) of the treatment currentI_(B) allocated to the upper limit frequency f_(o) is obtained in therelation to the current amplitude A_(o) allocated to the lowerfrequency. For example, the lower amplitude A_(u) may amount to 50percent of the upper amplitude A_(o) of the treatment current i_(B). Inany case, the lower amplitude A_(u) allocated to the upper limitfrequency f_(o) lies distinctly below the stimulation threshold RS. Thetreatment current i_(s) modulated in the course of the treatment withinthe relevant frequency band f_(Br) in such a manner that phases of theabove- and the below-threshold configurations replace each otherperiodically with corresponding frequency andamplitude-modulation-frequency-synchronous triggering of actionpotentials. In this connection as well, the relevant frequency bandf_(Br) is run through in discrete steps, whereby it is entirely possibleto select in different ways the time duration over which the currentamplitudes allocated to the individual frequencies are acting.

[0090] Furthermore, the alternating runs through the relevant frequencyband f_(Br) may occur rapidly at different rates of speed. In thepresent example, the relevant frequency band comprises two octaves.

[0091] With both methods, which are selected here only by way ofexample, the adjusted frequency range lies at least predominantly in theaudible range. Therefore, it may be useful within the meaning of anoverall uniform treatment to additionally provide theelectro-therapeutic device 1 with equipment for reproducing the audiblefrequencies and the make the latter accessible to the patient.Alternatively, even the reversed approach is conceivable, which is touse selected works of music for controlling the electro-therapeuticdevice in a manner such that the treatment currents i_(B) are selecteddepending on the harmonic configuration of the selected works of music.In that case, a high-pass filter f_(o) r separating or weakening theintensity of the locally and systemically less compatible lowfrequencies has to be allocated to the electro-therapeutic device, andto the amplifier units 10 to 12 an output limitation in order to preventthe compatibility of the body to be exceeded in the way of the dynamicsof individual works of music by introducing excessive outputs.

[0092] As a further development of the aforementioned overall idea ofthe therapy, it is possible to additionally allocate to theelectro-therapeutic device a system for visualizing the frequenciesemployed, for example in the way of correspondingly controlled coloredlight games.

[0093] An electro-therapeutic device is thus described in the foregoingthat combines within itself the advantages of the horizontal and thevertical stimulation and, in the presence of a raised safety standard,offers the highest operating comfort in conjunction with new applicationpossibilities for the patient.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0094]1 Electro-therapeutic device

[0095]2 Current generator

[0096]3 Setting element

[0097]4 Oscillator

[0098]5 Frequency-setting device

[0099]6 Microprocessor

[0100]7 Operating memory

[0101]8 Superpositioning device

[0102]10 to 12 Amplifiers

[0103]13 to 15 Flat electrodes

[0104] i_(B) Treatment current

[0105] A Amplitude

[0106] A_(o) Upper amplitude

[0107] A_(u) Lower amplitude

[0108] f Frequency

[0109] f_(B) Frequency band

[0110] f_(Br) Relevant frequency band

[0111] O₁ to O₃ Octaves

[0112] ES Sensitivity threshold

[0113] f_(o) Upper limit frequency

[0114] f_(u) Lower limit frequency

1. An electro-therapeutic device for treating the preferably human bodywith electrical currents of a defined frequency and amplitude,comprising at least two flat electrodes attachable to the body to betreated for closing a current circuit via said body, in connection withwhich device a treatment current (i_(B)) whose amplitude (A) andfrequency (f) can be modulated simultaneously, can be introduced intothe body to be treated, characterized in that the treatment current(i_(B)) can be varied within a frequency band (f_(B)) designated as themedium frequency range between from 1 to 100 kHz, in a manner such thatit is varied in preferably discrete frequency steps between a firstlimit value with a low limit frequency (f_(u)) at a simultaneouslyminimal amplitude (A_(u)) of the treatment current (i_(B)), and a secondlimit value with an upper limit frequency (f_(o)) with a maximalamplitude (A_(o)) of the treatment current (f_(B)) and a second limitvalue with an upper limit frequency (f_(o)) with a minimal amplitude(A_(u)) of the treatment current (f_(B)), whereby the amplitude rises ordrops as the frequency is increasing, or, vice-versa, the amplitude (A)of the treatment current (f_(B)) decreases or rises as the frequency isdecreasing.
 2. The electro-therapeutic device according to claim 1,characterized in that the treatment current (f_(B)) is modulated in sucha manner that it is varied at least within a part of the treatmentfrequency band (f_(B)) between the first and the second limit values ina manner such that it is varied slightly above or below the thresholdbased on a stimulation threshold (RS), substantially in parallel withthe stimulation threshold (RS), in a manner such that the treatmentcurrent (f_(B)) is always trailing the sensitivity threshold (ES)depending upon the amplitude and the frequency, in each case slightlyexceeding or falling short of the sensitivity threshold.
 3. Theelectro-therapeutic device according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe parameters of the electro-therapeutic device (1) are fixed in amanner such that at a lower frequency (f_(u)), the amplitude (A) of thetreatment current (f_(B)) is raised up to barely above or below thesensitivity threshold (ES) up to an amplitude value (A_(u)), and saidamplitude value can be stored as the first limit value within anoperating memory (7) of the electro-therapeutic device; and that at anupper limit frequency (f_(o)) that can be preset, the amplitude (A) ofthe treatment current (i_(B)) is again raised up to barely above orbelow the sensitivity threshold (ES) up to an amplitude value (A_(o)) ofthe treatment current (i_(B)) and can be stored within the operatingmemory (7) as the second limit value.
 4. The electro-therapeutic deviceaccording to claim 2 or 3, in connection with which device, the trailingtakes place between the first and the second limit values in definedfrequency steps, with a current amplitude (A) lying barely above orbelow the sensitivity threshold (RS) being allocated to each of suchsteps.
 5. The electro-therapeutic device according to any one of thepreceding claims, characterized in that the treatment current (i_(B)) ismodulated in such a manner that at least within a part of the frequencyband (f_(B)), between the first limit value with a lower frequency(f_(u)), to which an amplitude (A_(o)) of the treatment current lyingabove the sensitivity threshold (RS) is allocated, and a second limitvalue with an upper limit frequency (f_(o)), to which an amplitude(A_(o)) of the treatment current (i_(B)) lying distinctly below thesensitivity threshold (RS) is allocated, the treatment current is variedin a manner such that the stimulation threshold (RS) is intersected ineach case at an angle that can be preset in a variable manner.
 6. Theelectro-therapeutic device according to claim 5, characterized in thatthe parameters of the electro-therapeutic device are fixed in such amanner that at a lower frequency (f_(u)) that can be preset, anamplitude (A_(o)) of the treatment current (i_(B)) distinctly above thestimulation threshold (RS) is picked up and can be stored within theoperating memory (7) as the first limit value, and following an upperlimit frequency (f_(o)), an amplitude (A_(u)) of the treatment current(i_(B)) lying distinctly below the sensitivity threshold (RS) isdetermined in the form of a defined proportion of the amplitude (A_(o))and filed within the operating memory (7) as the second limit value. 7.The electro-therapeutic device according to claim 5 or 6, characterizedin that the method is carried out between the first and the second limitvalues in preferably discrete frequency steps in a manner such that thephases of the above-threshold and the below-threshold stimulationalternate periodically.
 8. The electro-therapeutic device according toany one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that a relevant treatmentfrequency range (f_(Br)) lying between the lower limit frequency (f_(u))and the upper limit frequency (f_(o)) can be run through at preferablydifferent speeds that can be preset.
 9. The electro-therapeutic deviceaccording to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a current orvoltage generator (2) for generating the treatment current (i_(B)), thefrequency of which generator can be modulated by means of an oscillator(4) and a frequency-setting device (5) allocated to said oscillator; andthe amplitude of which can be modulated by a setting device (3); andwith a processor unit (6) as well as a memory unit (7) allocated to saidprocessor unit for controlling and/or regulating the electro-therapy, aswell as comprising at least two flat electrodes (13 to 15) forattachment to a body to be treated in a contacting manner.
 10. Theelectro-therapeutic device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized inthat the device comprises a plurality, at least two current circuitsoperating independently of one another.
 11. The electro-therapeuticdevice according to claim 10 comprising at least three, preferably fourindependent current circuits for generating interferences within thebody to be treated, in a manner such that three treatment currents(i_(B1) to i_(B3)) with a preferably variable, minor frequencydifference preferably in the range of 1/60 and 1/5 Hz, can besimultaneously introduced into the body to be treated.
 12. Theelectro-therapeutic device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized inthat a gradual phase shift can be adjusted between the voltages orcurrents (i_(B1) to i_(B3)) introduced by means of the different currentcircuits.
 13. The electro-therapeutic device according to any one ofclaims 10 to 12, characterized in that the frequencies (f) applied fortreating the body are simultaneously reproducible audiophonically,and/or that defined works of music can be used for the therapeutictreatment or the modulation of the treatment current (i_(B)).
 14. Theelectro-therapeutic device according to any one of the preceding claims,characterized in that a device for reproducing color and/or light isallocated to the electro-therapeutic device in such a manner that thefrequencies applied for modulating the treatment current (i_(B)) can besimultaneously applied for controlling the light system in terms of alight and/or color visualization.
 15. The application of theelectro-therapeutic device (1) according to any one of the precedingclaims for carrying out a respirator-triggered, active expiration and/orfor the prophylaxis of an inactivity atrophy of the respiratory muscle.